5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every Espresso Machine
Best Coffee Espresso Machines
Turn the knob, press a button, and a delicious beverage is waiting for you. This machine isn't going to win any beauty contests but it does make a great cup of espresso. Our testers found that the taste was more like coffee than other machines.
It also requires more effort to operate than the other models we reviewed. It's worth the effort if you are an avid Java user who likes to be hands-off.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus will be the ideal Nespresso machine for you if you are a coffee enthusiast who is seeking efficiency and consistency. The Vertuo Plus has a minimalist design that will blend in with your kitchen decor and is simple to use. Simply insert a capsule and press brew to enjoy your beverage. The machine can recognize the barcode of the capsule, and then adjusts the brewing parameters to ensure optimal extraction. This is a major selling point of the Nespresso Vertuo line, since you don't have to think about setting different pressures or temperatures for different drinks. However, it limits your options to Nespresso pods and does not include an inbuilt milk frother.
The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso's Centrifusion technology to create a thick smooth, creamy crema. The machine spins up 7000 rpm to get the full range of aromas and flavors that are present in each capsule. It also dispensates hot water while it heats up, which allows you to make American-style drip coffee as well as espresso.
The Vertuo Plus is a lot less expensive than the Creatista Pro, which makes it ideal for those who want a basic upgrade to their current Nespresso experience. It also has a smaller 40 ounce water tank, which is smaller than the premium model's 60 ounce tank. That being said, if you plan on making large drinks frequently or sharing with guests, the premium model is a good option.
2. Barista Express Impress
Breville's Barista Express Impress is an eye-catching machine with a premium design and practical features. Its smart dosing and assisted tamping assist beginners to speed up the process by automating certain parts of it, making it easier for anyone to create a decent espresso. It's also able to make small adjustments to the temperature of water which baristas who have experience will appreciate as even a couple of degrees can affect the flavor of the coffee.
The machine comes with a premium conical burr grinder, which provides 25 grind settings to suit any coffee type. The machine also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug, as double- and single-wall filter baskets for one and two-cup sizes. espresso home machine can also use the frothing arms to make micro-foams for cappuccinos and lattes.
We liked the fact that the interface of the espresso machine is simple to navigate and clearly explains each step. We also liked that the machine is made of sturdy plastic and doesn't require much. It's not cheap, but it's definitely a well-built machine with a lot of features that will last for years to come. It is also covered by an excellent warranty that covers mechanical malfunctions for a year after the date of purchase. This is pretty impressive for a machine this cost. It's definitely worth it for those who want to try making espresso on a regular basis.
3. Gaggia Classic
Gaggia Classic was introduced in the year 1991. It quickly gained a cult following because of its simplicity and the ability to make a tasty cup of espresso. It is back better than ever with the brand new Classic Pro. Although the Classic Pro isn't as advanced as the other entry-level machines, it's still capable of serving espresso of a cafe quality using the top-of-the-line portafilter and group. As it's a single boiler, you won't be able to prepare and steam at the same time. You'll need to wait a bit before you can pull shots.
The Classic Pro has a sleek industrial design and a feel that is stylish and solid in your hand. It features simple switches to turn it on/off and to brew/steam with indicators. The frame and switches are more durable than the Classic making this machine have a real premium feel.
In terms of accessories the Classic Pro doesn't come with a lot but the commercial-standard portafilter of 58 millimeters and the tamper made of plastic are a nice addition. A 3-way solenoid is also a nice addition. It stops water pressure fluctuations and helps get rid of coffee pucks that are sloppy, something that cheaper machines struggle to do. Gaggia has also included a sleek steam wand that does a great job of frothering milk to create the art of latte.
4. De'Longhi COM532M
This machine from De'Longhi is excellent choice for those who want to make barista quality coffee at home. It is easy to use and comes with numerous features. It has a stainless steel boiler, portafilter, and the brewhead, and a water tank that is easily removed. The machine is also compact and can be easily placed on most counters.
This espresso maker has an 15-bar pressure pump that gives consistent results every time. It can also heat up in under 40 seconds, saving you time and energy. It is easy to clean and looks stunning on any kitchen counter. The De'Longhi is the ideal choice for coffee lovers who wish to make their own coffee at home.
This is a coffee and espresso maker that can make up to two cups of coffee simultaneously. It has dual heating, which means you can brew both espresso and drip coffee simultaneously. This is a perfect feature for parties, as it allows you to serve your guests their preferred drinks simultaneously.
The espresso machine comes with a milk frother which can be used to create delicious and creamy cappuccinos and Latte. The machine is simple to use using its easy touchscreen and buttons. The machine is quiet and doesn't produce a lot of noise when operating.